For centuries, Icelandic law has prohibited the importation of horses into the island country. And once a horse leaves Iceland, it can’t return. That means the sturdy, five-gaited Icelandic horse is free from disease exposure and influences of other breeds.

During the long days of Iceland’s summer months, the horses—some 2,000 of them—are turned out as a mixed herd to graze the high country. As the weather begins to change in September and the days grow shorter in their march to near 24-hour darkness, horse owners collect their horses for the winter. This annual roundup includes food, dancing, and festivities to celebrate the horses and changing season.

“Herd in Iceland” follows owners as they gather their horses from the high country and enters their private, rural lives as horsemen and -women. It investigates the horses, their personalities, and what they mean to those who, breed, raise, train, and export them. The filmmakers interview the father whose daughter loves horses but doesn’t know if she wants to continue her family’s breeding and training tradition; life partners who are separated by decades but joined by horses; and the urbanite who wouldn’t want to spend the season any other way.

I left the film struck by the panoramic beauty of Iceland, its horses, and its people, and I’m definitely adding a ride across the Icelandic moors to my horsey bucket list. Mostly, though, living and working in a U.S. horse industry that’s often divided by discipline, breed, and belief, I’m drawn to the film’s ideal of people coming together, unified by the horse.

About the Author

Michelle

Michelle Anderson, Digital Editor of TheHorse.com, has worked in publishing and marketing since 1999. She started her career at Appaloosa Journal and has since worked and written for several top equestrian publications and websites. A lifelong horse owner, Michelle currently competes in dressage and enjoys trail riding in Central Oregon's High Desert and Cascade Mountains. Michelle holds a B.A. in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Print Journalism from Washington State University.

Comments

The views expressed in the posts and comments of this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Horse or Blood-Horse Publications. They should be understood as the personal opinions of the author. All readers are encouraged to leave comments; all points of view are welcome, but comments that are discourteous and/or off-topic may be removed.

I've ridden in Iceland 13 years in a row. I look forward to the rides all year. In September, I rode at Polar Hestar up north. We rode for 5 days, 4 or 5 hours a day in the saddle. We spent one night in a mountain hut way up in view of the Arctic Ocean, far from any houses or electricity. Icelandic horses are exceptional...energetic, calm, sturdy. I love the tolt!

Jean

16 Oct 2013 6:27 PM

I went riding in Iceland 5 times on riding trip in the north east of Iceland. This video only show such small portion of the Icelandic horses. THEY ARE WONDERFUL HORSES to ride on ,to be near or even to know. They are exceptional horses. Their pride and spirits make them of been so special. This is why I go back there to ride them. ALSO the Icelandic people are very friendly and so welcoming. What a delight

ELIZABETH

16 Oct 2013 8:43 PM

You ladies make riding in Iceland sound amazing! I've always imagined the horses are like Fjords or Haflingers in personality, but with a bit more "go."

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